- The refreshed Stelato S9 features slightly increased dimensions and design refinements in some details to accentuate its premium feel.
- This marks a major update to Stelato's first model, competing in the Chinese market against vehicles including the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6L.
Stelato, the new brand jointly created by Huawei and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group), officially launched the updated Stelato S9 sedan today, maintaining its starting price while introducing enhanced configurations.
The updated Stelato S9 starts at RMB 309,800 ($43,540), matching its predecessor's price point. This represents an RMB 8,200 ($2,600) reduction from the RMB 318,000 pre-sales price announced in early November.
This marks a major update to Stelato's first model, competing in China's market against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6L. The brand also offers another model -- the S9T wagon launched on September 17 this year.
The updated Stelato S9 measures 5,160 mm in length, 2,005 mm in width, and 1,492 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm.
It is taller and wider than its predecessor while maintaining the same length. The previous Stelato S9 had dimensions of 1,987 mm in width and 1,486 mm in height.
The updated Stelato S9 features its own logo for the first time. Neither the Stelato S9 nor the S9T wagon previously had their own logo, with the Stelato name displayed in English letters on the front face.
The model features refined designs on the taillights and door details to emphasize luxury.
The updated Stelato S9 continues to offer two battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants and two extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants.
The two BEV variants start at RMB 329,800 and RMB 369,800 respectively, while the EREV variants start at RMB 309,800 and RMB 349,800.
The updated Stelato S9 BEV rear-wheel-drive version features a rear motor with a maximum power output of 227 kW. The all-wheel-drive version adds a front motor with a maximum power output of 158 kW. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds or 3.92 seconds.
The new Stelato S9 BEV features a ternary lithium battery pack with a capacity of 100 kWh, delivering a CLTC range of 721 km or 816 km.
The EREV variant utilizes a 1.5-liter engine as a range extender. It is available only in rear-wheel drive configuration, featuring a rear motor with a maximum power output of 227 kW. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 7.16 seconds or 7.35 seconds.
It offers two range options: a 37-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack or a 100-kWh ternary lithium battery pack, delivering CLTC ranges of 260 km or 372 km.
With a full tank and fully charged battery, their CLTC ranges reach 1,275 km and 1,378 km respectively.
Stelato is one of five automotive brands under Huawei's HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) umbrella, alongside Seres Group's Aito, Chery's (HKG: 9973) Luxeed, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp's (JAC) Maextro, and SAIC's Shangjie.
The Stelato S9 was initially launched at a Huawei product event on August 6, 2024, with deliveries commencing a month later on September 7.
On September 16, the brand rolled out its second model, the S9T -- a station wagon variant based on the Stelato S9. This market segment, once niche, is seeing increasing availability of new models.
Models under the HIMA business delivered a record 68,216 units in October, according to data released by the business on November 1. Stelato's October delivery figures were not disclosed.
($1 = RMB 7.1159)
